Todd Eller: Championing Change in Education, Behavioral Science, and Special Needs Advocacy

In an era where education, inclusion, and behavioral health are at the forefront of public dialogue, few individuals have successfully bridged all three worlds as effectively as Dr. Todd Eller. With a career spanning over 17 years, Dr. Eller has emerged as a trailblazing figure in the fields of behavioral science, special education, and inclusive media. As a scholar, practitioner, educator, and media strategist, he has used his platform and expertise to change lives and create long-lasting systemic impact.

Whether working directly with families navigating the challenges of autism or leading large-scale training programs for educators, Dr. Eller’s mission is clear: to empower individuals with the tools and support they need to thrive—both academically and personally. His work not only represents a blending of disciplines but also a unifying vision of education as a means of liberation, healing, and connection.

The Foundation: From UCLA to Behavioral Breakthroughs

Dr. Todd Eller’s journey began with a strong academic foundation. He earned his Ph.D. in psychology from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he focused on evidence-based behavioral interventions and child development. From the outset, his interests extended beyond theoretical research. He was determined to put knowledge into practice—especially to support underserved and neurodiverse populations.

Driven by this vision, Dr. Eller founded Best Practices, a private institution that has since become one of the most respected behavioral service providers in the western United States. Best Practices offers Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, early intervention programs, and developmental support for children and adults with autism and other developmental disorders.

Through individualized programs, Dr. Eller and his team have helped families achieve life-changing progress—improving communication skills, emotional regulation, social integration, and academic performance.

“When you work with families on the autism spectrum, you’re not just treating symptoms—you’re empowering possibilities,” Dr. Eller once said in a public interview.

This philosophy underscores every part of his work.

Training the Trainers: Building a New Generation of Educators

Perhaps one of Dr. Eller’s most impactful contributions has come from his work in higher education. Over the last decade, he has trained more than 600 university professors in the areas of sociology, education, and diversity. His training programs, widely regarded as some of the largest in the country, focus on inclusive, evidence-based, and culturally responsive teaching practices.

The scale of this work is monumental. By transforming the way professors teach, Dr. Eller indirectly impacts tens of thousands of students across the United States. From designing course syllabi that reflect neurodiverse needs, to integrating trauma-informed pedagogy, his efforts ensure that today’s students experience education that respects their identity and supports their potential.

“The goal isn’t just to make better teachers—it’s to make education more just, more inclusive, and more effective for every student,” Dr. Eller says.

In this way, he is not only a teacher of teachers, but also a reformer of educational institutions.

Media as a Platform for Change

In today’s information-saturated world, media is a powerful tool for education. Dr. Eller recognized this early on and brought his behavioral expertise to mass media platforms. He currently serves as the Chief Educational Officer at First Media, where he oversees content related to behavioral psychology, parenting, learning, and mental health.

One of his most notable contributions is to BabyFirst TV, a global children’s channel where he helps design developmentally appropriate, behaviorally-informed educational programming for infants and toddlers. These shows are not only entertaining but are grounded in research and designed to support early childhood development in areas such as language acquisition, social skills, and emotional regulation.

“Media can either numb the mind or nurture it,” says Dr. Eller. “Our goal is to create content that builds curiosity, confidence, and connection.”

His role in media also includes producing content that helps parents and caregivers understand child development, behavioral management, and learning strategies.

Author, Scholar, Advocate

Beyond his hands-on work, Dr. Eller is a prolific author and academic contributor. He has written two books and numerous peer-reviewed articles on topics ranging from autism therapy to educational equity. His writing reflects a deep understanding of both theory and practice, combining cutting-edge research with real-world applications.

He has also contributed to textbooks used across the Los Angeles College District, helping shape how future educators are trained. His ability to synthesize complex ideas into accessible frameworks has made his writing valuable not just to scholars, but to practitioners, parents, and policymakers.

Dr. Eller is frequently invited to speak at national conferences, university events, and teacher trainings, where he shares insights on topics such as:

• Inclusive classroom practices

• Autism spectrum interventions

• Media’s role in child development

• Trauma-informed education

• Culturally competent behavioral therapy

Each talk echoes his unwavering belief: that education and behavioral support should be personalized, empowering, and accessible to all.

A Philosophy of Empowerment and Equity

At the core of Dr. Eller’s work is a guiding philosophy that emphasizes dignity, respect, and equity. He advocates for an approach that sees every individual—regardless of diagnosis, identity, or background—as capable of growth and deserving of support.

Rather than one-size-fits-all interventions, Dr. Eller designs systems that adapt to the unique needs of each learner or client. His work is especially meaningful in communities that have historically been marginalized or underserved in healthcare and education.

His central message is simple but profound:

“The power of education and behavioral science lies in their ability to uplift—not label, restrict, or marginalize.”

Legacy and Impact

Dr. Todd Eller’s work has influenced thousands of lives—directly and indirectly. His behavioral therapy programs have helped families achieve breakthroughs they once thought impossible. His educational training has shifted the culture of classrooms from rigid to responsive. His media work has reshaped how millions of families think about child development and parenting. His academic writing has become a reference point for students, professors, and clinicians alike.

But perhaps his most enduring legacy is the sense of possibility he instills. Whether working with a child with autism, a new professor navigating inclusive pedagogy, or a producer developing children’s television, Dr. Eller brings hope, humanity, and a blueprint for progress.

Looking Forward

Dr. Eller continues to expand his impact through collaborations with schools, nonprofits, universities, and media outlets. He’s currently developing:

• Digital tools for behavioral therapy at home

• Curricula for neurodiverse students in public schools

• National standards for professor training in diversity and inclusion

• Streaming content for young learners on emotional and social learning

As technology and society evolve, so does his approach—always anchored in science, always driven by empathy.

Dr. Todd Eller exemplifies what it means to be a multidimensional leader in today’s complex educational and behavioral landscape. His unique blend of clinical expertise, academic vision, and media innovation has not only improved lives but also reshaped systems.

He reminds us that real change doesn’t happen through isolated programs or ideas. It happens when knowledge, compassion, and action come together. Whether helping a child speak their first word, guiding a professor toward more inclusive practices, or creating a TV show that teaches empathy, Dr. Eller is building a more thoughtful, inclusive, and empowered world—one person, one classroom, and one family at a time.